My thoughts …"Netted on the Net"

Well! Something that I never did before – to let the world know what I always hid deep in my heart (and soul) and who said it is only on stage we get nervous. I am experiencing something called Blog-Fear (like Stage-Fear) when I thought of writing a few of my thoughts for this wonderful Angel of our lives – who is “Everything” literally!

I vividly remember those precious moments of my life – 3rd April of that year and the place where this amazing journey began in Dharwar. Those gut wrenching and agonizing wait when your Mother was wheeled into the Labour room – eagerly waiting to carry this bundle of joy in my arms – pacing up and down (someone said, I never clocked so much of mileage in my entire life)

And the unforgettable moment, etched so clearly in my mind arrived, when the midwife comes out to Announce arrival of My Treasure! Delivered Safe and Sound –

My YaY Moment – Clinging tight to the Priceless Treasure

Calling her my Loved one, is passe and cliche. So I simply say this treasured one that put the smile (it is me in the picture above) has not been erased ever since. The ladies who made this happen (apart from my Amma’s ever-available shoulder), the doctor, the nurse and of course the Person who made it all happen

Sister Mercy, Mother Dr Almeida and Aparna (Baby’s Mother)

Long days and nights, all enjoyable ones began – The shrill appeal (not crying) whenever she needed a refill or whenever a change of nappies was called for, was like a routine music for my ears.

When she turned on to lie on her Stomach!

Every little mundane act became a memorable Himalayan Achievement to Proud me. Why? Even watching you sleep in the afternoons was an amazingly filling feeling. And by God! how time flies…

Before we realized this baby grew into a little naughty Girl! And then schools. This young treasure was slowly but surely getting an existence (Opinions and thoughts too) of her own.

Ah! those moments when we played with along with her – the favourite Songs that she “demanded” as a lullaby (or even when her mood called for)

Kindergarten Graduation

And the journey continued. When the audience applauded flawless rendition of the entire Guru Stotram on Kindergarten Graduation day. Not just then, every phase of this Amazing journey had a remarkable milestone erected on the way! A loveable Didi to a brother who came along at 7.

Primary School, Middle School and High Schools came by, giving us no reasons to regret ever but only make us swell with pride. This little girl was the proof that “Time indeed flies…” Just watching you reminded me that not being Over-cautious is not a scary proposition after all – it was cool in fact! Not a parachute that fails to open.

A few words about what you are today and what you mean to me

Clicked an hour ago – After being Blessed by Gurudev Sri Sri

The indomitable talents’ storehouse that you were, never be compromised for anyone else; followed your own star, Stood up for what you thought right even against me many a times and I remember with pride how right you were in proving me wrong so many times.

You always were an ideal daughter, a unimaginably balanced voice of logic, a promise of achievement still to realize. With a mind that powered your dreams and the ability to see what nobody else could.

For someone very very special, May your Birthday be blessed with everything God wants to give you! Not everyone is lucky enough to have someone as special as you in one’s life… I’m one of the lucky few! May beauty and happiness surround you today and beyond. I hope your Birthday is awesome, wonderful, full of love and laughter… just like you!

Have a lovely day Darling Akhila! Proud to be a father of a daughter like you

Being Blessed by His Holiness Pujya Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji who has been the guiding force holding all of us together. Ever Grateful to Him for what he has been to us.